Fulham’s new head coach Rene Meulensteen has lots of work to do (Picture: Reuters)

Appointing a new coach doesn’t normally fill fans with an abundance of optimism, but the signing of Rene Meulensteen as Fulham’s new head coach is breaking the trend.

Though secondary to the beleaguered Martin Jol, fans are expecting something special from the new member of staff. But can he really help turn our season around? And if so, how?

Well, here is a brief idea:

1: Return Dimitar Berbatov to form.

The former Manchester United striker has opted to take languid to the extreme so far this campaign, rarely contributing, barely moving. His return of one goal says it all, really, and his natural demeanor – grumpy, unfazed – is hardly helping matters.

Meulensteen has worked with the Bulgarian before and, as such, should know all about his attitude and the ways in which to get the best out of him. The only problem, of course, is that Jol should too, having managed him at Tottenham Hotspur. We can only hope that our new coach has more intricate ways in coaxing out the Berbatov that, on a normal day, would strike fear into any, top rate defender.

2. Sort out our defence.

There’s no hiding our sudden fall from grace when it comes to defensive aptitude. Two years ago we were lauded as kings of the clean sheet; impenetrable, almost literally. Brede Hangeland was the ultimate defender, both mobile and steadfast, intelligent and brutish.

Now he has become little short of a laughing stock, an unfortunate side effect of the club’s demise. Defending at set pieces is hilarious at best, depressing at worst. Something needs to be done because, as we know, a solid team is built from its defence. At the moment, we are anything but solid.

3. Improve youth integration.

For what it’s worth, I think Fulham now do an admirable job in producing young talent that comes at a very high standard. There’s no doubt, though, that more can be done. We’re producing high caliber individuals but not giving them the chance to shine.

Hugely impressive players like Moussa Dembele and Buomesca Tue Na Bangna are given the opportunity to train with the first team but how close are they to actual, first 11 football? Miles away, unfortunately, and it’d be nice if that were addressed.

4. Reshape the tactics.

It’s become increasingly clear over previous months that Jol is closer to tactical novice than tinkering genius. The team have no cohesion and are messy in transition. There is no balance and you have to wonder whether he even has a preferred first eleven just yet.

Meulensteen needs to add some consistency and begin to harmonise the team by finding the right level between offensive creativity and defensive stability. Right now, it is all over the place.

5. Make Craven Cottage a fortress once again.

Our home form is another area to take a hit under the tutorship of Jol and it needs to return. Without it, we’re relying on patchy away form that, despite improving, is nothing on which we can depend.

Clubs should be wary of travelling to the Cottage but, at the moment, that simply isn’t the case.